We are excirah n’ delirah to reveal the launch date for 2018/2019 PRE-SEASON!

Muckross Hockey Club’s senior section caters for players at every level, with the highest standard of coaching and training facilities. For the 2018/2019 season, we are fielding six squads across EY Hockey League I and Leinster League Divisions 2, 5, 7, 11 and 12.

We welcome players of all ages and experience – so whether you’re a seasoned athlete seeking top-flight action, a player on the move to Dublin in search of a new club, a beginner who’s keen to take up a new team sport, or someone who just loves playing hockey in a friendly and inclusive club and having great craic whilst doing so – we want to hear from YOU.

This session is open to EVERYONE – Muckross Magicians past, present and future. If you’re coming along to join us for the first time, simply email secretary@muckrosshc.com to introduce yourself!

Here in Muckross, everything we do, we do as a club. We’re all in it together… and it’s safe to say that our 2017/2018 was SOME SEASON FOR ONE SEASON! The numbers speak for themselves. To everyone who played a part in making them – THANK YOU.

WHAT A DAY. That magic moment at the full time whistle of the EYHL Playoffs yesterday was many years in the making. To everyone who has given so much of themselves to the club, at all levels – and in particular Sarah Green, Jeananne Fennelly, Deirdre Mathews & Ann Ronan; to the many players who have weathered the storm throughout the seasons; to our sponsors who backed us to make the next step up, especially Eoin O’Neill Property Advisers; to those who have supported us along the way, at all levels, in all eras; and to THIS special group – THANK YOU!

Muckross is a family – and it was fitting that our impromptu victory party in Kiely’s was a real family affair; as was the support system that got us over the line at the weekend and throughout the season as a whole. The support has been SUPER.

We can’t put a measure on how many hours of hard graft and preparation that Scottie & Freda have put into this, since they first gathered their troops for pre-season way back in August. The Dynamic Duo have been INCREDIBLE to watch at work. And as for their squad – the young stars that played such a pivotal role in our landmark return to top-flight hockey back in 2015 are now the leaders of today’s team, alongside new Muckross Magicians who’ve joined our ranks, old friends who’ve made such a welcome return to them, and the immense young talent that has broken through. Intensely focused momentum instilled a strong belief which led them to a first Leinster Division One title in 21 years – and now promotion to the national league.

Truth be told – this moment has been MANY seasons in the making, with invaluable lessons learned along the way. Winning Division Three in 2012/2013 to secure promotion to Division Two. Driving on to reach the promotional playoff in 2013/2014 and so narrowly missing out on ascension to Division One in a shootout. Re-grouping to go again in 2014/2015 and finally secure our return to the provincial top flight. Making our mark on Division One with a maiden season to be so proud of in 2015/2016. Reaching the EYHL Playoffs in 2016/2017. Winning them in 2017/2018.

To EVERYONE who played a part in all those big days throughout the past five years – on the pitch, on the sideline, and behind the scenes – all we can say is, once again, THANK YOU. Bring on the next chapter…

“IT’S OVER! WE HAVE WON! WE’RE GOING TO THE EYHL!”If you were following our journey through the EYHL Provincial Playoffs over the weekend – these were the magic words. The words we were all waiting and wishing to hear; the words our club has worked so hard for. Just after 5:30PM on Sunday evening, we got to say them. We can’t quite believe it.

What a difference 12 months makes. This time last year – Scottie, Freda and our gals in green n’ white stood dejected on the pitch in Rathdown as their season’s efforts and EYHL Playoffs journey ended in tears. Yesterday, they stood in that familiar post-match team huddle together again – as the Leinster Champions, having just booked a direct ticket to the national league.

It was a weekend of high-intensity hockey action to get there – five teams, four matches, one winner. Muckross started the weekend strong on Saturday morning, beating the Connacht champions NUIG 3-0 in their opening game – the goals coming from Natasha Twomey, and Yasmin Pratt on the double. A few hours of recovery and it was on to the next challenge – our provincial rivals Old Alex. The pace of the match was relentless – but after 50 minutes and a number of heart-stopping moments, it ended all square. A win and a draw for the day. Two clean sheets. A solid start.

Saturday evening was spent on recovery in the team hotel, getting good grub on board, analysing the day’s performance, and doing the homework on what was to come. Two more matches – win them both, and we’re in the EYHL. Simple as. A good night’s sleep, and a breakfast of champions – time to rise and shine.

Munster title holders, the hosts UCC, were up next. We went ahead early in the second quarter thanks to another Yasmin special, and it looked like we’d be taking the lead into half-time – until the Cork side struck back, right on the whistle. “SHINE A LIGHT.” Into the dugout. Re-group, re-focus. Keep working, keep fighting, keep creating chances – it’ll come. Except it didn’t… and another quarter passed, still deadlocked. Into the final quarter – we needed to find a winner, and we needed it quick. A well-worked free set-piece found Gilly in the D – no better woman to stick it in the net. GOAL. Muckross leading with 7 minutes to go. UCC had their chances to equalise in the closing minutes – but the green n’ white wall of defence shut them out. Full time whistle. The points belonged to Muckross.

Top of the tournament leaderboard with only one more game to play. A win and promotion would be ours – simple as. A draw, and we’d be in for an agonising wait, reliant on other team’s results and goal difference. Nodoby wanted that. Our destiny was in our own hands – time to make sure of it.

The final match against Ulster champions Lurgan will be remembered as one of the most tense that our club has ever been involved in. Immense pressure applied from the get-go – and eventually they broke through at the end of the first quarter. 1-0 down. Don’t panic; keep working; we’ll get back into this… and we did. A penalty corner halfway through the second quarter was perfectly executed – Laura Hanlon picking one hellova time to score her first goal of the season, as she pounced from the back post to put it away. All square; GAME ON. Lurgan upped the pressure again. Two minutes to half-time, they won a penalty corner, and we went down to 10 players for the infirngment. They set up to take it. Then… down came the hailstones.

Time stopped; teams sent to the dugouts; supporters sent scrambling for shelter. A 20 minute weather delay followed – time to cool down, talk tactics, and re-focus. Back out onto the pitch to defend that penalty corner – cleared straight out, no getting through. The follow-up phase brought a stunning save between the sticks from Rachel. Half-time whistle. All square.

The third quarter came and went with more end-to-end action but no score to be found by either side. Into the fourth, we go again – 12.5 minutes to find a winner. Four minutes into it, we did. A penalty corner at a crucial juncture – no time for fancy stuff – straight strike from Yasmin and BOOM the backboard is rattled. Muckross go ahead. An agonising eight minutes followed, full of thrills n’ spills. We keep calm. We hold our nerve. This is our day. Full time whistle. Elation.

On SATURDAY 24TH MARCH​ ​we’ll ​be​ ​toasting our big birthday​ ​with a special event to see out the season in style – you are cordially invited to the MUCKROSS HOCKEY CLUB CENTENARY DINNER!

The event is taking place in Leopardstown Pavillion and tickets are now priced at €75 FOR ADULTS, and €60 FOR SCHOOL/COLLEGE STUDENTS – which includes a prosecco reception upon arrival (for over-18s), a three-course meal, and live music from The Bentley Boys to dance the night away…

Tickets will be sold online on Easy Payments Plus via the big red button below; and also offline via Freda Canavan (0872387642 /fredanoonan60@gmail.com) Don’t miss out, buy yours early – and friends n’ family, husbands n’ wives, boyfriends n’ girlfriends are of course more than welcome along too – the more the merrier!

Attaining 100 years of club hockey is a momentous achievement that would not have been possible without the dedication of our hundreds of members, past and present. Player commitment and club loyalty have been powerful driving forces in maintaining Muckross Hockey Club’s position over the years, despite some setbacks along the way. Similarly, to the many coaches who have guided us through the seasons, the countless supporters who have stuck with the club through thick and thin, and the volunteers who have so selflessly given their time to driving the club onwards and upwards – we wish to extend the invitation to anyone who has ever been involved in Muckross Hockey Club on any level to join us in celebrating this special night!

ON SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER, YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED… TO THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF OUR CENTENARY SEASON!

All members of Muckross Hockey Club – past, present… and future! – are invited to join us in officially launching our 2017/2018 Centenary Season on Saturday 16th September, from 1:00PM – 6:00PM in Muckross Park College!

Throughout the day there’ll be matches for all Senior Club players on the main pitch, and likewise for all Vets players on the half-pitch. We’ll also be firing up the trusty barbecue, with a mouth-watering array of treats on offer on the sidelines for players and supporters alike.

It will also be the first opportunity for you to feast your eyes upon our range of official Muckross Hockey Club Centenary Merchandise – everything from key-rings to mugs to hoodies will be on sale on the day, as well as our official MHC Centenary Brochure.

So, spread the word – we hope to see the Muckross Community out in force on the day as we kick off the celebrations for 100 YEARS OF MUCKROSS MAGIC!

Last season, Muckross Hockey Club recognised its true fundraising potential with STRICTLY HEARTBEAT. The event was a massive success, and yielded significant revenue for the club as a whole. This year – we’re taking to the catwalk for an all-new fundraising extravaganza…

INTRODUCING: THE MUCKROSS FASHION SHOW!The Muckross Fashion Show is a fundraising initiative by Muckross Hockey Club, to raise funds to support the ongoing development of the club. The event will see our Junior, Senior and Vets sections joining forces to host an all-club fundraiser – the first of its kind! On Saturday 11th March 2017 at 7:00PM in Leopardstown Pavilion, Muckross Hockey Club take over in style, bringing 500 attendees together for a night of fun and fashion! The aim of the event is to raise money to go towards our goal of building our very own clubhouse. So, we need EVERYONE on board!

FASHION FIRST!
We are fortunate to have a mega-talented steering committee in place who hold a combined 50 years of experience within in the Irish fashion industry – including Sarah Stephens, Mari O’Leary and Laura Jordan. We might even have a few special guest appearances…. all will be revealed on the night! Our models will be volunteers of all ages from within the ranks of the club – SO, if you’ve ever fancied strutting your stuff on the catwalk, NOW is your chance!

TICKETING
A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold at a price of €30. Tickets will be sold online, via the link link above, and also offline via committee members. Our fundraising events in recent years have all sold out well in advance – don’t be the one to miss out, buy yours early – and spread the word to family and friends!

THE BIG NIGHT…
Doors will open at 7:00PM sharp – and you’ll want to be there bang on time to grab a good seat and see your club-mates putting their best foot forward! Some of Dublin’s TOP boutiques will be featuring on the night, including Fran & Jane, Sculpted Active Wear, Sarena Boutique, Renaissance Boutique, Heaton’s and many more… all age demographics will be covered within the show; as will all tastes, from communion to debs, from active-wear to evening wear, and everything in between. During the interval, the Donnybrook Ballet Academy – of which many of our junior hockey stars are members – will be entertaining the masses. The show will be all wrapped up by 10:00PM, but the bar will be remaining open until 11:30PM for our over 18s… then, it’ll be off to Club 92 to dance the night away!

EVENT PROGRAMME
An official Muckross Fashion Show event programme will be on sale on the big night, with advertising space open for business. If you or someone you know would be interested in advertising within, contact us ASAP!

RAFFLE
Over the past few years, Muckross Hockey Club fundraising events have become synonymous with EPIC raffle prizes on offer – and this year will be no different. If you or someone you know would like to have your brand up for grabs by donating a prize for the raffle, get in touch ASAP!

SPONSORSHIP
We are actively seeking sponsors to help us to reach our target. The profile of the participants and audience for Muckross Fashion Show will be present and past club players & coaches, their families & friends, club supporters – a very broad spectrum of demographics. As a sponsor, you receive…

Your logo on the event poster

Social media content

A full-page A5 ad in our event program

A pair of VIP tickets to the event

We have a price package to suit all, from corporate to local level – get in touch for further information on sponsoring the Muckross Fashion Show!

CONTACT
SO – if you would like to offer expertise for organising the event, volunteer to model at the event, donate a raffle prize, advertise in the event programme, or come onboard as a sponsor – get in touch with us to learn more! Contact Club President Jeananne Fennelly via email to president@muckrosshc.com, or by phone on 0871958993.

We’re delighted to have been selected for the Tesco Ireland Community Fund initiative… Make sure to do your grocery shopping in DONNYBROOK, RANELAGH & RATHMINES Tesco stores up until February 20th, and place your blue tokens into the Muckross Hockey Club donation box by the checkout!

We know, we know – you haven’t even had your presents from Santa or your Christmas dinner yet, and already we’re talking about getting back to hockey!

BUT, we just wanted to circulate the return-to-training dates for January nice n’ early to keep everyone in the loop on how we’re fixed in the new year – because we will be quite literally hitting the ground running…

MHC 1s & 2s both have Jacqui Potter Cup campaigns kicking off from Saturday 7th January, and MHC 3s, 4s, 5s & 6s will all be playing their first league matches of the year on Saturday 14th January – so in terms of ongoing squad selection, it is imperative that ALL players make it their business to put the effort in to make it to training and get back on the ball!